Plans to overhaul the grass-fed cattle industry are receiving mixed reviews in western Victoria. Earlier this week, cattle graziers converged on Canberra calling for a new representative group that has control over how their levies are collected and spent. That move would reduce the influence of Meat and Livestock Australia on the industry. But a former Cattle Council chairman, who farms near Harrow, says he feels the proposed reforms will throw the baby out with the bath water. John Wyld says beef producers need more people paying levies instead of a new representative group. Read more

Western Victorian police continue to investigate thefts from fire-affected properties. A bushfire at Moyston killed about 5,000 sheep when it burnt across more than 90 properties a fortnight ago. Ararat crime prevention officer, Eddy Macdonald, said officers had been shocked by the alleged theft of replacement fencing. Read more